Congress approves $189 million for Houston light rail

Congress has given the green light to Houston METRO for rail expansion, with approval of $94.5 million for the North/Red Line extension and another $94.5 million for the Southeast/Purple Line.

The funds are part of the $900 million Full Funding Grant Agreements (FFGA) signed by federal officials in November of 2011.

METRO Board Chairman Gilbert Garcia said, "This is another key development in our progress towards building light rail for Houston. We want to extend thanks to our congressional delegation and the many people who have supported efforts to improve the METRO transit system."

METRO has already received $523.7 million of the FFGA. The transit agency expects to begin receiving this latest $189 million appropriation within the next 30 days and will spend the money completing the 5.3-mile North/Red Line extension, which is a continuation of the current Main Street Line, as well as the 6.6-mile Southeast Line. The Southeast/Purple Line will tie into the Main Street Line, providing Texas Southern University and the University of Houston Central Campus with new transit options. The remaining $187.3 million of the FFGA is expected to be appropriated in 2014.